Canadiens’ prospects update

By Chris Boucher

March 12th, 2002

Ron Hainsey -D (Drafted-00(1/13))

Hainsey managed 3 points through 9 games since our last update. He injured his shoulder during a March 3rd game against Manitoba, and has missed the last 2 games. There’s still no word on a possible return date. Overall, the 6’3″, 200-lbs defenseman has played 49 games. He has 27 points (7-20-27), and is +12 with 18 minutes in penalties. He’s second on the Citadelles in plus/minus, and is tops among the team’s current crop of defensemen. Four of his goals were scored on the powerplay, and he’s directed 101 shots on goal.

Mathieu Garon -G (Drafted-96(2/44))

Garon was recently recalled by the Canadiens, and will back-up Jose Theodore. Overall, the 6’2″, 192-lbs goalie has played 42 AHL games. He has a 20-11-10 record with 2.63 GAA, and a .921 save percentage.

Eric Chouinard -F (Drafted-98(1/16))

Chouinard picked up 6 points through 11 games since our last update. He was shutout by Lowell on March 6th, thereby ending a 4-game point-scoring streak. Overall, the 6’3″, 207-lbs left winger has played 54 games. He has 39 points (17-22-39), and is -1 with 16 minutes in penalties. Surprisingly, he has only one powerplay goal; which actually speaks volumes for Chouinard’s 5-on-5 play this season. He’s also directed 145shots on goal.

Francois Beauchemin -D (Drafted-98(3/75))

Beauchemin scored 2 goals and added 5 assists through 11 games since our last update. He was shutout during a recent game against Lowell, thereby ending a 3-game point-scoring streak. Overall, the 6’0″, 201-lbs defenseman has played 42 games. He has 15 points (7-8-15), and is -9 with 63 minutes in penalties. Beauchemin has also played 7 ECHL games with Mississippi. He has 4 points (1-3-4), and is -1 with 2 minutes in penalties. He’s directed 13 shots on goal.

Marc-Andre Thinel -F (Drafted-99(5/145))

Thinel managed 1 goal through 10 games since our last update. Thinel’s offense has come in spurts, and has been directly related to the amount of ice-time he sees. Overall, the 5’10”, 178-lbs winger has played 64 games. He has 10 points (6-4-10), and is -1 with 8 minutes in penalties. He also has 39 shots on goal.

Mathieu Descoteaux -D (Drafted-96(1/19) Edmonton)

Descoteaux suffered a shoulder separation on February 10th, and just recently returned to action. He’s been shutout through the 2 games he’s played since his return. Overall, the 6’4′, 208-lbs defenseman has played 51 games. He has 15 points (6-9-15), and is -9 with 32 minutes in penalties. All 6 of his goals were scored on the powerplay, and he has 101 shots on goal.

Vadim Tarasov -G (Drafted-99(7/196))

Tarasov has a 1-2 record through 3 games since our last update. Garon’s promotion will give Tarasov the bulk of the workload down the stretch. Tarasov has been slow to find his game recently, but that’s to be expected from a goaltender just returning from a 3-month injury rehab. Overall, the 5’11”, 187-lbs goalie has played 7 AHL games. He is 4-2-1 with a 2.98 GAA, and a .899 save percentage.

Jason Ward -F (Drafted-97(1/11))

Ward managed 7 points through 10 games since our last update. He’s improved his plus/minus by 6 points over the same span, and leads the team in shots on goal. Overall, the 6’3″, 193-lbs winger has played 64 games. He has 50 points (20-30-50), and is +1 with 124 minutes in penalties. Four of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while another was scored shorthanded. He’s directed a team-high 169 shots on goal.

Marcel Hossa -C/W (Drafted-00(1/16))

Hossa injured his shoulder during a February 9th game against Manchester and returned to action March 6th against Bridgeport. He’s scored a goal in each of the two games he’s played since returning. Overall, the 6’2″, 211-lbs winger has played 43 AHL games. He has 31 points (16-15-31), and an even plus/minus to go along with 18 minutes in penalties. He’s also directed 110 shots on goal.

Martti Jarventie -D (Drafted-01(4/109))

Jarventie has 3 points through 11 games since our last update. The rookie defenseman continues to struggle defensively, and has a team-worse -12 rating. Overall, the 5’11”, 185-lbs defenseman has played 54 games. He has 20 points (7-13-20), and is -12 with 18 minutes in penalties. He’s also directed 90 shots on goal.

Timo Vertala -W (Drafted-96(5/181))

Vertala is still unable to play because of an ankle sprain. He has however, begun skating with his teammates. Overall, the 6’1″, 180-lbs. winger has played 24 games. He has 5 points (4-1-5), and is -5 with 12 minutes in penalties. He’s managed 30 shots on goal. One of his goals was scored on the powerplay, while 2 others were scored shorthanded.

Michael Ryder -W (Drafted-98(8/216))

Ryder produced 4 points through 9 games since our last update. Like Thinel, his offense comes in spurts, and has been directly related to the amount of playing time he sees. The young Newfoundlander also has the team’s 3rd best plus/minus (2nd among forwards). Overall, the 6’1″, 195-lbs winger has played 37 AHL games. He has 13 points (5-8-13), and is +9 with 9 minutes in penalties. He’s also directed 48 shots on goal.

Through 20 games with Mississippi the Newfoundlander has 27 points (14-13-27), and has an even plus/minus to go along with 2 minutes in penalties. Two of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while another was scored shorthanded.

Jerome Marois -LW (Drafted-99(9/253))

Jerome Marois managed 5 points through 11 ECHL games since our last update. The 6’0″, 192-lbs winger has played 34 games with Mississippi. He has 16 points (10-6-16), and is a team worse minus-12 with 40 minutes in penalties. He also has 57 shots on goal.

The 21-year-old Marois has also played 10 AHL games. He has no points, to go along with 2 minutes in penalties.

Olivier Michaud -G (Free Agent-2001(3-y contract))

Michaud recorded a 3-3 record through 7 games since our last update. He has the fourth-most wins in the QMJHL, while his GAA is tops in the league. Overall the 5’11, 163-lbs goalie has played 42 games. He has a 27-10-3 record with a 2.35 GAA, and .890 save percentage.

Michaud also participated in the World Junior Championship with team Canada over the Christmas holidays. The Beloil native played in 2 tournament games; winning 1 while losing the other. He stopped 23 shots during a 6-1 win over Switzerland, and stopped 39 of 43 shots during a 4-1 loss to Finland. Michaud left the Czech Republic with an already mentioned 1-1 record to go along with a 2.50 GAA, and a solid .924 save percentage.

Christian Larrivée -F (Drafted-00(4/114))

Chicoutimi’s Christian Larrivée picked up 16 points through 12 games since our last update. He’s the top point-producer among Hab prospects, and is currently enjoying a 16-game point-scoring streak. Overall, the 6’3″, 195-lbs Larrivée has played 68 games. He has 92 points (45-47-92) with 46 minutes in penalties, and an even plus/minus rating. Nineteen of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while another was scored shorthanded.

Duncan Milroy -RW (Drafted-01(2/37))

Duncan Milroy managed 22 points through 12 game since our last update. The 19-year-old has moved into eighth place among WHL scoring leaders. His goal total is the third-best total in the league, and he’s raised his plus/minus by 9 points over the recently mentioned 12 game span. Overall, the 6’0″, 185-lbs winger has played 61 games. He has 84 points (44-40-84), and is +13 with 44 minutes in penalties. Fourteen of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while 5 others were scored shorthanded.

WHL player of the month for January.

Josef Balej -RW (Drafted-00(3/78))

Portland’s Josef Balej managed 15 points through 11 games since our last update. Balej remains 6th in league scoring, and is 2nd in goals with 49. The young Slovak scored 2 goals and adding 1 assist in a 9-2 win over Tri-City in his first game back after missing 2 contests with a groin injury. Overall, the 5’11”, 175-lbs winger has played 61 games. He has 88 points (49-39-88), and is +17 with 48 minutes in penalties. Five of his goals were scored short-handed, while his 20 powerplay-markers lead the league.

WHL player of the week for the week ending December 25th.

WHL player of the month for December.

Andrew Archer -D (Drafted-01(7/203))

Andrew Archer was shutout through 11 games since our last update. With the Guelph Storm hosting the 2002 Memorial Cup, Archer will have the opportunity to demonstrate his talents during junior hockey’s showcase event. Overall, the 6’4″, 195-lbs stay at home defenseman has played 55 games. He has 13 points (3-10-13), and is -8 with 64 minutes in penalties.

Eric Himelfarb -C (Drafted-01(6/171))

Sarnia’s Eric Himelfarb managed 7 points through 9 games since our last update. Himelfarb’s struggles coincide with those of the entire Sting hockey team. Sarnia has won only one game through their last 7 contests, while Himelfarb himself is suffering through a 3-game scoreless drought. Overall, the 5’9″, 161-lbs center has played 65 games. He has 82 points (35-47-82), and is -7 with 67 minutes in penalties. Eleven of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while 2 others were scored shorthanded.

Mike Komisarek -D (Drafted-01(1/7))

Komisarek picked up 7 assists through 8 games since our last update. He also raised his plus/minus from +13 to +18 over the same span. He has a point in each of the team’s three playoff games to date. Michigan’s series win over Lake Superior allowed them to advance to the CCHA semi-final. The series will begin Saturday, but Michigan’s opponent has yet to be determined. Overall, the 6’4″, 228-lbs defenseman has played 35 games. He has 29 points (10-19-29), and is +18 with 60 minutes in penalties. One of his goals was scored shorthanded, while another was scored on the powerplay. He’s also managed 99 shots on goal.

Komisarek also participated in the World Junior Championship with team USA over the holidays. The US finished 5th in the tournament with a 4-1-2 record. The 19-year old played in all 6 games, and registered 2 assists. He left the Czech Republic with a -1 rating to go along with 14 minutes in penalties, and 5 shots on goal.

Chris Dyment -D (Drafted-99(4/97))

Boston University’s Chris Dyment managed 7 points through 8 games since our last update. BU defeated Providence in the Hockey East quarterfinals. Their next game is Friday against Maine in the Hockey East Semi-Final. Overall, the 6’3″, 202-lbs. defenseman has played 36 games. He has 22 points (6-16-22), and is a team-best +23 with 24 minutes in penalties. Five of his goals were scored on the powerplay while another was scored shorthanded. He also has 53 shots on goal.

Hockey East player of the week for the week ending October 29th.

Hockey East defensive player of the week for the week ending December 10th.

Hockey East defensive player of the week for the week ending February 25th.

Matt Shasby -D (Drafted-99(5/150))

Alaska-Anchorage University’s Matt Shasby managed 3 points through 8 games since our last update. He was shutout through 2 games by Colorado College as UAA was swept out of the WCHA playoffs. Overall, the 6’3″, 200-lbs. defenseman has played 35 games. He has 27 points (7-20-27) with 72 minutes in penalties, and 3 of his goals were scored on the powerplay.

WCHA defensive player of the week for the week ending February 10th.

Scott Selig -C/RW (Drafted-00(6/172))

Northeastern University’s Scott Selig was not dressed during any of Northeastern’s last eight games. Overall, the 6’3″, 180-lbs. forward has played 26 games. He has 4 points (3-1-4), and is a disappointing -10 with 28 minutes in penalties. Two of his goals were scored on the powerplay, and he’s directed 44 shots on goal.

Ryan Glenn -D (Drafted-00(5/145))

St. Lawrence University’s Ryan Glenn managed 1 assist through 8 games since our last update. Overall, the 6’2″, 210-lbs. defenseman has played 32 games. He has 9 points (3-6-9), and is -11 with 27 minutes in penalties.

Alexander Buturlin -RW (Drafted-99(2/39))

The 6’0″, 187 lbs. Buturlin has played 32 games in the RHL. He has 6 points (3-3-6) to go along with 42 minutes in penalties.

Alexander Perezhogin -F (Drafted-01(1/25))

Perezhogin recently traveled to Montréal in order to receive treatment for his knee injury. It was established that he will not need surgery. Two weeks rest, combined with medication should be enough to heal the injury. Perezhogin has played most of this season with Mostovik Kurgan of the Russian High League. Official stats show that the 5’11”, 175-lbs center has played 19 games. He has 24 points (14-10-24) to go along with 10 minutes in penalties. He’s also played 3 games this season with Omsk of the Russian Super League, where he’s scored 1 goal to go along with 4 minutes in penalties.

Perezhogin played for Russia during the recent World Junior tournament. He suffered from a knee injury throughout the tournament, and left the Czech Republic without registering a point through 5 games. His plus/minus was even, and he managed 8 shots on goal to go along with 4 minutes in penalties.

Joni Puurula -G (Drafted-00(8/243))

HPK’s Joni Puurula posted a 3-0 record through 3 games since our last update, and remains undefeated through 8 career Finnish Elite League games. Recently recovered from a season-shortening viral infection, the 19-year-old has played 8 games this season. He has a 7-0-1 record to go along with a 2.11 GAA, and a .911 save percentage.

Johan Eneqvist -F (Drafted-00(4/109))

Leksands IF’s Johan Eneqvist spent much of the final few weeks of the season playing in the Swedish junior league. He did however return for the senior team’s final game of the season; contributing 3 assists during the 10-1 win. Overall, the 6’0″, 190-lbs forward has played 38 games with Leksand’s senior team. He has 10 points (3-7-10), and is +1 with 22 minutes in penalties.

The 20-year-old also played 4 junior league games, where he had 7 points (3-4-7), and was +11 with 8 minutes in penalties. Two of his 3 goals were scored shorthanded.

Tomas Plekanec -F (Drafted-01(3/71))

Plekanec managed 3 points through 4 games since our last update. His team finished in last place in the Czech Extraliga. Overall, the 5’10”, 196-lbs winger played 48 games. He had 23 points (7-16-23), and was -7 with 28 minutes in penalties.

The versatile forward also played for the Czech Republic during the recent World Junior Championship. He played center on a line with Edmonton draft pick Ales Hemsky. He was second on the team in scoring with 7 points (3-4-7) through 7 games. The 19-year old was -1, and directed a team-best 24 shots on goal. He won 49 % of his face-offs, while taking the most draws of any pivot on the Czech team. Plekanec also played on last year’s gold medal winning squad, where he scored 1 goal while adding 1 assist through 7 tournament games.

Victor Ujcik -F (Drafted-01(9/266))

Slavia Praha’s Viktor Ujcik managed 9 points through 4 games since our last update. He finished the regular season in 9th place among Czech Extraliga scorers, while leading Slavia Praha to sixth spot in the league’s final standings. His first playoff game comes on March 12th against Pardubice. Overall, the 5’10”, 194-lbs winger has played 52 games. He has 48 points (25-23-48), and is +2 with 51 minutes in penalties.

Hab you Heard?

Kim Staal, the Habs’ 4th round pick in ’96 has 37 points (14-23-37) through 49 games with Modo of the Swedish Elite League. He’s +11 with 16 minutes in penalties, and 3 of his goals were scored on the powerplay. He’s 3rd on his team in scoring, and sits in 15th place among the league’s top-scorers.

Niklas Anger, the Habs’ 5th round pick in ’95 has 32 points (12-20-32) through 50 games, and is -14 with 16 minutes in penalties. Four of his goals were scored on the powerplay, while 3 others were scored shorthanded. He also leads his team in scoring.

-Ilkka Mikkola, the Habs’ 3rd round pick in ’97 has 5 points (3-2-5) through 52 games with Jokerit of the Finnish Elite League. He is +12 with 14 minutes in penalties.

-Evan Lindsay was re-assigned to the Macon Whoopee of the ECHL. Macon becomes Lindsay’s third ECHL team this season. Overall he has a 13-15-2 record though 31 ECHL games with Mississippi, Florida and Macon. The Habs’ fourth round pick in ’99 has an unofficial 3.47 GAA, and .901 save percentage.

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Current stats up to and including games played March 10th, 2001.

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**Click on the Canadiens’ logo at the top left of the page to see a listing of the Habs’ top prospects. Including biographical information, stats, and game by game statistical reviews on selected top prospects. (more coming soon)

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